RICS Scotland Annual Awards 2015
Building Conservation Award
The University of Edinburgh’s 50 George Square Renovation Project was announced as one of the RICS Scotland Annual Awards 2015 winners, under the category of ‘Building Conservation’. Thomson Bethune acted as Quantity Surveyors for this prestigious renovation project, working alongside designers, Page\Park and main contractor, Balfour Beatty.
The buildings at 50 George Square were designed by Robert Matthew and Johnston-Marshall & Partners to house the Arts Faculty and were completed in 1970. They form part of the Grade A listed David Hume Tower grouping and are key examples of Scottish Modernism.
The objective of the project at 50 George Square was to provide a new home for the School of Literatures, Languages and Culture. In addition, works were also carried out to the basement level of David Hume Tower to form a central teaching hub with a catered study area. This lower ground level links directly with 50 George Square, David Hume Tower, the podium level David Hume Tower Lecture Theatres and also provides pedestrian access directly to George Square. The redevelopment has allowed the area to become a vibrant hub for students and staff.
The complexities of the David Hume Tower Lower Ground Teaching Hub were varied, the site is in a conservation area, Grade A listed and surrounded by other listed buildings. The surrounding buildings were still in use throughout the project and the area is a heavily trafficked route across the University Campus Central Area. The footprint of the project was tight and there were numerous structural and layout intricacies. In such an environment, undertaking consistently high standards of service delivery and a full understanding of the project were key client requirements and central to the project's successful delivery.
We are delighted to be part of this achievement.
For further information about this project, please call Iain Logan or Andrew Patton on 0131 220 1828.